Amy Hunter's Record (Source: @ICC/x.com)
Just as a poem lives through its rhythm, the world of cricket comes alive through its records. From the very beginning, unforgettable milestones have marked the game, turning every match into a thrilling spectacle.
Every gathering in India is tasteless without a bit of cricket. If we ask who was the youngest ever centurion in cricket, people will answer without wasting even a minute, saying Shahid Afridi.
But if it's really right? What if we say it's a woman superstar all the way from Ireland who achieved the remarkable feat on her 16th birthday? As not every hero wears a cap, some swing their bats in the air, setting an example of their brilliance.
Who’s the teenage star dethroning Shahid Afridi?
The social gap between men's and women’s cricket is known to everyone, but one thing that unites them is some unreal brilliance, followed by some spectacular records. Years ago, a 16-year-old Shahid Afridi made Pakistan proud with a sensational century, becoming the youngest player to achieve the feat. That record stood tall for years, until an Irish woman stepped onto the big stage and rewrote history with her own spectacular performance.
In the women’s cricket world, Ireland Women hold a special place as the stars of the nation never fail to deliver unreal thrills to the fans. Among these trailblazers, Amy Hunter made history by smashing an ODI century at just 16, etching her name into the record books and giving the nation a moment to celebrate forever.
A special birthday turns into a legendary record
11th October 2021 was already a special day for Irish women's player Amy Hunter as the youngster was celebrating her 16th birthday, cricket gave her another reason to celebrate her special even more grand way. Facing Zimbabwe Women in an ODI clash in Harare, the birthday girl had no idea that she was about to turn her special day into a historic moment that would etch her name in the record books.
Batting first, Leah Paul walked away scoring 12 runs, and Hunter joined Gaby Lewis on the field. Demolishing Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, Hunter chased glory. After smashing a half-century, she crossed the golden three-figure mark, and the moment unlocked a historic feat. With that knock, she became the youngest centurion in cricket.
Even after a century, she played an unbeaten knock of 121 runs in 127 balls with eight boundaries. The knock was not just a brave innings; it was a spectacle of brilliance. As the cricket world is busy celebrating the male milestones, there are some forgotten stars.
As Shahid Afridi set the record at the age of 16 years 217 days, Amy Hunter achieved the feat at the age of 16 years. Among millions of cricketing milestones, Hunter’s achievement stands out as an iconic moment, destined to be remembered as one of the sport’s most remarkable records.
